Seeking Deliverance

 Seeking Deliverance

I stretch out my hands to You; My soul longs for You, as a parched land. Selah. Answer me quickly, O LORD, my spirit fails; Do not hide Your face from me, Or I will become like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; For I trust in You; Teach me the way in which I should walk; For to You I lift up my soul (Psalms 143:6-8 NAS95).

There may be times when circumstances overwhelm us mentally and spiritually. During such great distress we tend to ask, “Why Lord?” Sometimes, in hindsight we may discern the hand of God. However, most of the time we are left longing but not without hope and comfort.

David did what was right in this situation, he lifted up his hands to God. He stated his condition, that his soul was longing for God. His soul was like a dry land in need of refreshing rain. Emphasizing his distress he says, Do not hide Your face from me, Or I will become like those who go down to the pit. Who are those that go down to the pit except those without hope?

However, David had hope; and he makes a good appeal. Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; For I trust in You; Teach me the way in which I should walk. David appeals to God’s lovingkindness while pointing out his trust in God. 

If you read all of Psalm 143, you will see that David was being persecuted by his enemies. However, it is interesting to see while seeking deliverance, his main concern seems to be how he should respond to his situation. Notice: Teach me the way in which I should walk; For to You I lift up my soul (v.8b). And, Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For the sake of Your name, O LORD, revive me. In Your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble (Psalms 143:10-11 NAS95).

Are you in trouble? Are you overwhelmed? Ask for deliverance, but don’t just ask for relief, ask for your path to be made clear. Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6 NAS95).

Heavenly Father, please comfort and guide those who are in distress. Shower them with your grace that they may hope in you. Amen.